Villa Orso Grigio

The Villa Orso Grigio is recognizable by its blue roof with terracotta accents, set against the backdrop of the Italian Alps. The hotel is located on a neat, paved street with a stone sidewalk. Inside, the lobby features traditional decor that is not too exciting: gilded light fixtures and accents, for example, and a heavy, old-fashioned wooden reception desk. The dining room is similarly decorated with ornate features, like pink velvet curtains, pink table coverings, cream velvet chairs, wooden vaulted ceilings, and golden cupids on the walls.

The villa houses ten rooms and suites, which all have their own private gardens in the back. The gardens encircle a shallow sandy bottom pool. They are filled with rose bushes and fruit trees bearing lemons, apples and peaches, and look out onto the surrounding mountains. Each one is clearly marked by with sign that says the name of the units, and arbors, and has lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a gazebo for relaxing outdoors.

The hotel also has a pretty wooden patio with benches, wicker couches, and flowers. Tables outside on the terrace are covered with cream-colored table cloths and fresh flowers.

Located in the Non Valley at the foot of northern Italy’s Alps, the hotel is surrounded by the woodlands and mountains. It is a quiet, private place for vacationers. Outside, there are different walking trails varying in distance. The Golf Club Dolomiti is about 10 minutes away by car, while the Sanctuary of Saint Romedio, which dates back to the year 1000, is 20 minutes away. During the winter, there are lifts close by for skiing. On-site parking at the hotel is free.

Rooms are decorated in Baroque Italian style with ornate curtains and bed comforters, giving the suite a truly royal feel -- even the night stands have a cover. The decor also includes lots of wooden paneling. There is plenty of storage space with a large closet with a safe, and a smaller side table with shelves. For seating, there are velvet chairs and decorated cloth couches. The bathrooms are of average size with marble sinks, and standing glass showers. Basic toiletries are included, as well as bath salts in some rooms. Rooms have private wooden decks with lounge chairs and umbrellas. In upgraded rooms, there are private hot tubs and one private pool. The most high-end suite is spacious with a Turkish bath, and a skylight over the hot tub. Views look over the beautiful grounds with the Alps in the distance.

One of the hotel's main draws is the restaurant of the same name, located next door with food brought over to the dining room or served room service style in guests' accommodations. Dishes are prepared with ingredients from the surrounding area, with hand-picked produce and fresh products used for cooking. Cigars and wine can also be enjoyed in the wine bar and cigar room, which has a large humidor, or in the impressive Wine Temple boasting thousands of wine bottles. More than thirty-five thousand bottles of wine from hundreds of wineries are stored in the exposed-stone cellar with arched ceilings. Pastas, jams, and other items are available for purchase in the gourmet room.

A shallow sand pool curves through the property outside, and deluxe suites are located right on it. Guests can also order in-room massages. For business, the Villa Orso Grigio can accommodate small and large groups in its meeting room. The hotel also offers transfer service to many area airports. Activities that the hotel offers to arrange include guided walking trails, golf lessons, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriages, and helicopter excursions.